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ARCHITECT,  AND  SUPERINTENDANTOFTHE  WORK. 

18  43. 

Cfut^.Cook  's  Lvth  Boston . 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  Year  Eighteen  Hundred  and  Forty-three, 

BY  SOLOMON  WILL  ARD, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


TO 


ARCHITECTS  AND  ENGINEERS, 


AND  TO  THE 


FOLLOWING  WORK  IS   RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED, 


BY 


THE  AUTHOR. 


bosto.n: 

printed  by   samuel   n.  dickinson 
washington  street. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The  purpose  of  the  following  Work  is,  to  give  in  a  brief  manner  the  results  of  experiments 
which  have  been  going  on,  for  the  last  seventeen  years,  in  quarrying  and  working  the  Quincy 
granite ;  and  also  to  give  the  plans,  elevations,  and  sections  of  the  Obelisk  on  Bunker's  Hill,  which 
led  to  those  experiments. 

At  the  close  of  the  work,  it  seems  to  be  due  to  those  who  have  contributed  to  the  funds,  to 
correct  any  misapprehension  that  may  have  existed  in  relation  to  the  expenses  attending  it.  Owing 
to  entire  ignorance  of  the  fair  value  of  such  a  work,  or  of  what  it  would  have  cost  at  the  market 
prices,  or  from  some  unworthy  motive,  it  has  been  currently  reported  for  years  past,  that  there  has 
been  mismanagement  and  waste  of  funds  in  carrying  it  on. 

In  order  to  set  this  matter  right,  it  is  proposed  to  treat  the  subject  entirely  as  a  matter  of  fact 
and  business  transaction: 

1.  To  exhibit  the  state  of  the  granite  business  previously  to  the  commencement  of  our 
work,  and  to  show  the  difficulty  that  has  always  existed  in  obtaining  blocks  of  the  dimensions 
required,  and  the  consequent  high  price  such  blocks  have  uniformly  borne  in  the  market,  up 
to  the  present  time. 

2.  To  show  what  the  Obelisk  has  actually  cost. 

3.  To  show  what  it  would  have  cost,  had  the  Association  paid  the  market  price. 

4.  To  give  the  estimated  cost  of  an  obelisk  of  the  same  dimensions,  but  of  cheap  construction : 
which  estimate  was  made  at  the  outset  by  a  competent  engineer. 

5.  To  show,  by  the  Treasurer's  Report,  that  the  available  means  at  the  commencement  of  the 
work  was  only  one  third  part  of  the  estimated  cost,  and  only  one  sixth  part  of  the  market  value  of 
the  work,  as  finally  constructed. 

And,  lastly :  To  show  that  the  Obelisk  has  actually  been  built  at  half  the  market  prices  of  such 
work ;  and  consequently,  that  there  is  a  large  credit  due  to  those  who  have  planned  and  conducted 
the  executive  part  of  the  work. 


PL  A  T  E  ///  . 


INTRODUCTION. 


It  is  a  fact  well  known  to  architects  of  Boston,  who  were  in  the  profession  twenty  years  ago, 
that  there  was  much  difficulty  at  that  time  in  obtaining  a  suitable  material  for  the  decorative  parts 
of  buildings.  Boston  was  surrounded  by  a  primitive  formation,  and  consequently  wanting  in  all  the 
softer  kinds  of  stone  commonly  used  for  such  purposes.  Quincy  granite  was  not  then  in  use, 
except  for  rough  work;  and  no  successful  attempt  had  then  been  made  in  executing  moulded  and 
ornamental  work  in  any  other  kind  of  granite.  The  walls  of  buildings  were  carried  up  of  granite, 
in  ashlar  courses,  and  generally  crowned  with  a  cornice  of  wood.  Sandstones  of  different  kinds 
were  also  used  for  such  purposes,  which  were  brought  from  distant  parts  of  the  country.  These 
sandstones,  however,  were  not  only  expensive,  but  defective  in  structure.  They  also  varied  in  color 
from  the  granite,  and,  when  combined  with  it,  gave  to  the  whole  a  parti-colored  and  unharmonious 
effect.  These  difficulties,  however,  have  been  removed,  in  a  great  measure,  by  experience  gained 
since  that  time. 

The  erection  of  the  Obelisk  on  Bunkers  Hill  has  led  to  various  experiments  in  the  quarrying 
and  working  of  granite,  which  have  shown  that  the  common  kind,  which  is  obtained  with  great 
facility  in  our  own  neighborhood,  is  susceptible  of  being  wrought  into  any  of  the  moulded  or 
ornamental  forms  required  for  the  exterior  of  the  best  structures,  and  at  a  reasonable  rate;  and 
consequently  has  obviated  all  difficulties  growing  out  of  the  want  of  a  proper  material,  or  want  of 
skill  in  working  it.  This  must  be  sufficiently  obvious,  in  viewing  the  beautiful  execution  in  the 
front  of  the  new  Exchange,  in  State  street,  and  the  work  now  going  on  at  the  Custom  House. 

The  first  full  cornice  knoAvn  to  have  been  worked  of  granite  in  this  country,  is  now  on  a 
building  near  the  head  of  State  street,  formerly  occupied  as  a  branch  bank.  This  cornice  was 
executed  of  Concord  granite,  at  the  State  Prison  in  that  place.  Much  improvement  in  workman- 
ship has  been  made  since  that  time,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  specimens  referred  to,  which  have 
been  recently  executed. 


i 


[    6  ] 


A  difficulty  also  existed,  twenty  years  ago,  in  obtaining  blocks  of  granite  of  the  size  required 
for  good  construction.  The  business  of  quarrying,  at  that  time,  was  generally  in  the  hands  of  those 
who  had  neither  the  means  nor  the  skill  wliich  is  necessary  for  conducting  the  business  in  a 
proper  manner.  The  work  most  called  for  at  the  time  was  ashlar,  and  posts  and  lintels,  from  half 
of  a  ton  to  two  tons  in  weight ;  and  when  a  block  of  large  size  was  wanted,  it  was  obtained  with 
great  difficulty,  and  at  a  high  price.  Few  blocks,  however,  had  at  that  time  been  wanted  of  extra 
size  ;  the  columns  and  architraves  at  the  Branch  Bank,  and  similar  parts  at  the  Massachusetts 
General  Hospital,  being  the  principal. 

The  shafts  of  the  columns  at  the  bank  were  contracted  for  at  nine  hundred  dollars  each, 
finished  and  delivered  at  the  quarry ;  and  the  capitals  at  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  each, 
delivered  at  the  bank.  These  shafts  were  split  from  a  bowlder,  or  rolled  mass  of  granite,  on  a 
plain  in  the  town  of  "VVestford,  near  the  Chelmsford  line.  The  shafts  of  the  columns  at  the  new 
market-house  were  also  split  from  the  same  bowlder.  The  shafts  at  the  bank  were  four  feet  in 
diameter  at  the  bases,  three  feet  and  one  inch  at  the  top,  and  twenty-two  feet  high ;  containing 
about  two  hundred  and  seven  cubic  feet.  The  architrave  was  quarried  a  short  distance  from  the 
columns,  and  was  in  six  pieces,  averaging  about  five  tons  each,  and  were  contracted  for  at  three 


And  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-two  dollars  and  seventy  cents,  divided  by  three  hundred  and 
seventy-eight,  the  whole  number  of  feet  in  the  architrave,  will  give  five  hundred  cents  as  the 
cost  per  cubic  foot  for  the  granite  alone.  The  cost  of  the  blocks  of  a  large  size,  at  other 
places,  so  far  as  could  be  ascertained,  was  about  one  dollar  per  cubic  foot.  The  contracts,  on 
the  part  of  the  bank,  were  made  by  those  who  considered  themselves  shrewd  in  such  matters ; 
but,  as  there  was  little  competition,  and  the  work  was  attended  with  some  risk  at  the  time, 
high  prices  were  consequently  paid. 

In  works  intended  for  monumental  purposes,  it  must  be  obvious  that  stability  is  an  impor- 
tant consideration.  And  stability  depends,  in  a  great  measure,  on  good  construction ;  and  tins, 
again,  on  the  size  of  the  materials  used ;  on  the  bond,  or  lap  of  one  stone  upon  another ;  and 
also  on  the  clamps  and  fastenings,  cement,  and  mechanical  execution. 

In  designing  the  Obelisk,  the  mode  of  construction,  and  style  of  execution,  had  necessarily 
to  conform  to  the  limited  means  at  disposal,  after  purchasing  the  land  required,  and  paying  the 
contingent  expenses.  This  sum  amounted  to  about  thirty-three  thousand  and  five  hundred  and 
seventy-six  dollars,  as  will  be  shown  further  on ;  and  it  consequently  became  necessary,  in  order 


It  will  leave,  as  the 


dollars  per  foot,  measuring  all  sides  and  ends.  The  whole  number  of  feet 
measured  in  this  way  was  eight  hundred  and  three  feet  and  eight  inches, 

which,  at  three  dollars  per  foot,  are  $2411.00 

If  from  this  sum  we  deduct  the  price  of  the  dressing,  namely, 
Three  hundred  and  seventy-eight  feet  of  fine,  at  say  110c.  $415.80 

Four  hundred  and  ten  feet  of  coarse,  at  25c   102.50  518.30 

cost  of  the  granite  alone,   1892.70 


I  7  ] 


to  adapt  the  construction  to  the  means,  to  make  use  of  the  cheapest  kind,  and  the  coarsest 
execution,  that  would  possibly  answer. 

It  will  be  seen,  however,  by  referring  to  the  plan,  that  there  are  forty-four  blocks  of  stone, 
of  five  tons'  weight,  in  the  first  course  alone ;  and  it  has  been  found  by  calculation,  that  five 
tons  is  a  little  more  than  an  average  size  of  the  stones  composing  this  structure.  The  average 
size  is,  consequently,  nearly  equal  to  the  architrave  pieces  at  the  bank,  before  referred  to ;  and 
had  the  same  price  been  paid  for  the  stone  in  the  Obelisk,  that  was  paid  for  that  at  the  bank, 
the  granite  alone  would  have  amounted  to  an  enormous  sum,  as  must  be  sufficiently  obvious ; 
the  quantity  wanted  amounting  to  eighty-seven  thousand  feet,  and  the  price  five  hundred  cents 
per  foot. 

It  will  be  perceived,  moreover,  by  the  bills  of  prices  annexed,  that  the  market  prices,  at 
the  present  time,  of  blocks  of  granite  of  extra  sizes,  do  not  vary  much  from  the  prices  twenty 
years  ago.  The  following  are  the  Railway  prices,  for  the  year  1836,  for  stone  delivered  at  the 
landing,  namely :  "  Posts  and  lintels,  and  other  stone  of  cubic  dimensions,  fifty-seven  cents  per 
cubic  foot,  and  the  price  to  increase  one  cent  per  foot  on  all  stones  that  contain  more  than 
twenty-five  cubic  feet."  Three  cents  are  added,  instead  of  one,  as  the  cubic  measure  increases 
five  feet. 


TABLE. 


A  Block  of .  .  .  .  Feet, 

Price. 

A  Block  of  Feci. 

l'rice 

A  Block  of. . . .  Feel. 

I'm  ■ 

A  Block  of.  .  .  .  Feel 

I'm  . 

A  Block  of  Feet. 

Price 

25 

57 

38 

76 

51 

98 

64 

117 

77 

139 

26 

58 

39 

77 

52 

99 

65 

121 

78 

140 

27 

59 

40 

81 

53 

100 

66 

122 

79 

141 

28 

60 

41 

82 

54 

101 

67 

123 

80 

145 

29 

61 

42 

83 

55 

105 

68 

124 

81 

146 

30 

65 

43 

84  • 

56 

106 

69 

125 

82 

147 

31 

66 

44 

85 

57 

107 

70 

129 

83 

148 

32 

67 

45 

89 

58 

108 

71 

130 

84 

149 

33 

68 

46 

90 

59 

109 

72 

131 

85 

153 

34 

69 

47 

91 

60 

113 

73 

132 

86 

154 

35 

73 

48 

92 

61 

114 

74 

133 

87 

155 

36 

74 

49 

93 

62 

115 

75 

137 

88 

156 

37 

75 

50 

97 

63 

116 

76 

138 

89 

157 

It  will  be  perceived  by  the  foregoing  table,  that  the  price  of  a  block  of  granite  of  twenty- 
five  cubic  feet,  is  fifty-seven  cents  per  foot  ;  and  for  a  block  of  twenty-six  feet,  fifty-eight  cents 
per  foot;  and  so  on. 

The  following  is  the  tariff  of  prices  for  stone  for  the  exterior  of  the  Custom  House,  as 
delivered  in  Boston  : 

All  stone  of  twenty-five  feet  in  contents,  or  under,  fifty  cents  per  foot,  and  to  increase 
one  cent  per  foot,  for  each  additional  foot  in  size. 


[    8  ] 


For  cutting,  first  quality,   3.00  per  foot,  sup. 

"       "       second   "  1.90    "       "  " 

"       "       third      "  1.10    "       "  " 

"       fourth    "         .......        .50    "       »  " 

For  beds  and  builds  25    "       "  " 

Sixteen  full  columns,  including  capitals,  thirty-two  feet  high,  five  feet  and  four  inches  in 
diameter  at  the  base,  delivered  in  Boston,  cut  and  finished  complete,  fifty-one  hundred  dollars 
each ;  sixteen  three-quarter  columns,  thirty-seven  hundred  dollars  each. 


TABLE. 


a  Block  of  ...  Feel. 

Price. 

A  Hl..i-k  nr    .  .  I-Vr( 

Prii  e 

A  Block  ol        Fei  l 

Price 

a  Block  of  ....  Feet. 

Price. 

A  Hl.irk  <>t  ....  1-Yrt. 

Price. 

25 

~5(T 

38 

63 

51 

76 

64 

89 

77 

102 

26 

51 

39 

64 

52 

77 

65 

90 

78 

103 

27 

52 

40 

65 

53 

78 

66 

91 

79 

104 

28 

53 

41 

66 

54 

79 

67 

92 

80 

105 

29 

54 

42 

67 

55 

80 

68 

93 

81 

106 

30 

55 

43 

68 

56 

81 

69 

94 

82 

107 

31 

56 

44 

69 

57 

82 

70 

95 

83 

108 

32 

57 

45 

70 

58 

83 

71 

96 

84 

109 

33 

58 

46 

71 

59 

84 

72 

97 

85 

110 

34 

59 

47 

72 

60 

85 

73 

98 

86 

111 

35 

60 

48 

73 

61 

86 

74 

99 

87 

112 

36 

61 

49 

74 

62 

87 

75 

100 

88 

113 

37 

(v2 

50 

75 

63 

I  88 

76 

101 

89 

114 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  first  table,  that  a  block  of  granite  of  fifty-four  cubic  feet,  which  is 
about  the  average  size  of  those  in  the  Obelisk,  is  one  hundred  and  one  cents  per  foot,  and  by 
the  last  table  is  seventy-nine  cents  per  foot  ;  and  a  mean  between  these  prices  is  ninety  cents, 
which,  it  is  presumed,  is  now  about  the  market  price  for  blocks  of  granite  of  such  dimensions. 


A    STATEMENT    SHOWING    THE    ACTUAL  COST. 

In  order  to  show  the  actual  cost  of  this  Obelisk,  it  may  be  necessary  to  premise,  that  the 
corner-stone  was  laid  on  the  17th  of  June,  1825,  and  that  the  work  at  the  quarry  was  com- 
menced on  the  16th  of  November  following.  The  work  was  continued  until  January,  1829, 
when  it  was  suspended  for  the  want  of  funds.  It  was  afterwards  recommenced,  on  the  17th 
of  June,  1834,  and  proceeded  until  November,  1835,  when  it  was  again  discontinued.  In 
November,  1840,  what  then  remained  to  be  done  was  let  out  by  contract,  and  the  work  is 
now  nearly  finished.  The  sums  of  money  paid  out,  at  different  times,  are  as  follows,  as  shown 
by  the  audited  accounts,  namely : 


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[    9  ] 


First  Experiment. 

Expenses  of  the  work,  from  November  16th,  1825,  to  February   28th,  1829, 

paid  by  the  superintendent,   $56,525  19 

Second  Experiment. 

Expenses  from  June  17th,  1834,  to  January,  1836,  paid  by  the  superintendent,  18,321  77 

Paid  by  the  treasurer  directly  to  the  workmen,   2,100  00 


Last  Experiment. 

The  expense  of  this  experiment  Avas  paid  by  the  contractor,  as  follows  : 

To  D.  M.  C.  Knox,  for  granite,  etc.,  $1,725  12 

To  Rogers  &  Richards,  11,021  00 

To  Josiah  Babcock,   856  91 

To  Wright  &  Barker,   7,136  32 

For  superintendence,   1,853  50 

For  drawings,  bevels,  patterns,  etc.,    263  87 

Cost  of  setting  stone,  by  two  experiments,    ....        4,160  00 .  .  .  27,016  72 

$103,963  68 

Deduct,  for  worth  of  apparatus  at  the  close,       ....  $1,400 

Loss  of  house  burnt,   800 

Overcharge  for  transportation,   800  .  .  .  3,000  00 

Total,  $100,963  68 


To  this  must  be  added  the  expense  of  the  iron  work,  conductor,  and  bankage,  which  will 
increase  the  sum  total  to  about  one  hundred  and  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight 
dollars. 

The  question  winch  now  remains  to  be  decided,  is,  what  a  work  of  such  magnitude  and 
construction  ought  to  have  cost?  Or  rather,  what  it  would  have  cost  at  the  market  prices? 
It  will  readily  be  perceived,  that  this  is  the  hinge,  or  turning-point ;  for  if  it  should  appear  that 
the  Association  have  paid  no  more  than  the  market  price  for  their  work,  they  surely  can  have 
no  cause  for  complaint.  And  if  the  sum  which  they  have  paid,  namely,  one  hundred  and  one 
thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight  dollars,  is  shown  to  be  little  more  than  half  the  market 
price,  or  than  half  the  sum  paid  by  others  for  the  same  amount  of  work,  it  will  prove  that 
the  facts  in  relation  to  the  expenses  of  the  work  have  been  greatly  misrepresented  ;  and  that 
the  reports  in  circulation,  in  regard  to  waste  of  funds,  are  entirely  without  foundation. 
2 


[  io  ] 


THE  FOLLOWING  STATEMENT  SHOWS  WHAT  THE  WORK  WOULD  HAVE 

COST  AT  THE  MARKET  PRICES. 

The  market  price  of  the  work  on  the  Obelisk  may  be  shown  in  two  ways,  either  of  which 
will  be  conclusive,  namely :  By  the  result  of  advertising  the  last  contract,  which  of  course 
determines  the  market  price  of  such  work  ;  or  by  measuring  the  whole,  according  to  the  rates 
charged  at  the  principal  places  of  business. 

It  has  been  shown  that  the  stock  and  work,  on  the  last  contract,  has  cost  the  contractor 
about  twenty-seven  thousand  dollars.  This  sum  little  exceeds  one  quarter  of  the  whole  sum 
expended  on  the  work  ;   and  his  contract  specifies  that  he  is  to  receive  of  the  Association  for 

the  same,  in  cash,  $43,800  00 

And  in  apparatus,  at  the  close,  estimated  at   1,400  00 

He  also  receives   an   amount  in  tolls  of  visiters  viewing  the  work, 

estimated  at   4,800  00 

Total  received  by  the  contractor,  $50,000  00 

The  amount  of  the  last  item,  however,  is  generally  estimated  much  higher.  But  allowing 
it  to  be  correct,  the  contractor  will  receive,  for  the  last  quarter  of  the  work,  the  sum  of  fifty 
thousand  dollars.  And  it  will  follow,  that,  if  the  whole  had  been  paid  for  at  the  same  rate, 
the  total  amount  would  have  been  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  as  proposed  to  be  shown. 

Another  method  of  arriving  at  nearly  the  same  result,  is  by  measuring  the  whole  according 
to  established  prices.  It  has  been  found  by  calculation,  that  the  granite  alone,  for  the  Obelisk, 
measured  according  to  the  first  table,  would  have  come  to  eighty-six  thousand  nine  hundred 
and  forty-two  dollars  and  sixty-six  cents  ;  and,  according  to  the  last,  to  sixty-seven  thousand  five 
hundred  and  forty  dollars  and  ninety-nine  cents,  in  a  rough  state.  The  fine  dressing  on  the 
Obelisk,  at  the  price  of  first  quality  work,  in  the  preceding  bill  of  prices,  would  have  come  to 
one  hundred  and  forty  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  and  the  beds  and  builds,  at 
twenty-five  cents  per  foot,  to  thirty  thousand  dollars  ;  amounting,  in  the  whole,  to  two  hundred 
and  thirty-seven  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety  dollars  and  ninety-nine  cents  ;  to  say 
nothing  of  the  hoisting,  mason  work,  mortar,  iron  cramps,  etc.,  etc.  And,  at  any  price  at  which 
such  work  has  ever  been  done,  it  could  not  have  amounted  to  less  than  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 

The  following  is  the  estimate  for  an  obelisk  of  the  same  dimensions,  but  of  cheap  construc- 
tion, previously  referred  to. 


9  V.  NT  ^  ,V 


[  11  ] 


A    COPY    OF    COL.    BALDWIN'S  ESTIMATE. 


Memorandum  and  estimate  of  an  obelisk,  of  thirty  feet  base,  fifteen  at  the  top,  and  two 
hundred  and  twenty  feet  high,  with  a  winding  stairway  round  a  circular  hollow  newel,  com- 
posed of  a  wall  one  foot  and  six  inches  thick,  with  openings  through  it  for  stairs,  for  air,  and 
light.     Quincy  stone.     Namely  : 

3538  perches  of  stone  for  the  wall  of  the  Obelisk,  of  which  1179£  for 

outside,  at  $5  per  perch,  $5,895  00 

23491,  for  the  interior,  at  $3  per  perch,   7,047  00 

19,800  feet  of  hammering  on  surface,  at  50  cents  per  foot,  .       .       9,900  00 

Average  area  of  masonry  —  402  feet,  147  18-inch  courses  —  gives  for 
beds  and  builds,  118,188  feet.  Add  one  half  for  perpendicular  joints 
—  59,094  =  177,282  feet.  From  this  deduct  one  sixth  =  29,547, 
outside,  it  will  leave  147,735  feet  of  hammering,  at  6  cts.,  .  $8,864 
29,547  feet  outside  hammering,  at  25  cts.,  .       .       .       7,386  .  .  .  16,250  00 

330  steps,  8  inches  rise,  average  tread  1  foot,  hammering  rise  and  tread, 
say  2  ft.  wide,  4  ft.  long  in  the  clear,  4x2x330=2640,  at  50c.  $320  00 
Stock  delivered  for  do.,  at  20  cents  per  foot,  .       .       330  00 

Laying  do.,  per  step,  $1,   330  00 ...  .  1,980  00 

Extra  hammering,  and  laying  circular  staircase,  and  hollow  newel,  say 

20,000  feet,  at  20  cents,   4,000  00 

Laying  3538  perches  of  stone,  $5  pr.  perch,  including  scaffolding  and  rigging,  17,690  00 

100  casks  of  Roman  cement,  $700  00 

Lime  and  sand,  at  75  cents  per  perch,      ....  2,653  00 ...  .  3,353  00 

Foundation,  with  50  feet  base,  12  feet  deep,  784  perches,  which,  including 
stones,  mortar,  and  laying,  at  $10  per  perch,     .       .       .  $7,840 
150  squares  of  digging,  at  $2  per  square,      ....       300  ....  8,140  00 
Foundation  for  platform,  24  feet  wide  all  round,  6  feet  deep  =  143  squares, 

at  $1,       .       .       .  v      .       .       .    143  00 

Platform,  say  20  feet  wide  all  round,  and  3  steps,  1.2  tread,  each,  equal 
5029  square  feet,  top  surface,  rise  of  steps  8  inches,  say  one  foot  for 
lap  1176,  and  5029  equal  6205  square  hammered  face,  at  125  cts.         7,756  00 
Foundation  wall  for  platform  and  steps,  say  equal  to  half  wall  under 

the  whole,  6  feet  deep,  603  perches,  at  $5  per  perch,      .       .       .       3,015  00 
Windows,  iron  cramps,  railing  to  staircase,  roof,  door,  etc.,  .       .       .    4,831  00 

Contingencies,  superintendence,  etc.,   10,000  00 

Total,  $100,000  00 


[   12  ] 


The  estimated  cost  of  the  Obelisk,  as  shown  by  the  foregoing  memorandum,  was  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  the  funds  available  at  the  commencement  of  the  work,  were 
thirty-three  thousand  five  hundred  and  seventy-six  dollars,  as  will  be  shown  further  on.  It 
appears,  therefore,  that  the  amount  of  funds  at  disposal,  when  the  work  was  commenced,  was 
only  about  one  third  part  of  the  sum  wanted  for  the  purpose  intended,  had  the  Obelisk  been 
constructed  in  the  cheapest  manner,  and  probably  not  more  than  one  sixth  part  of  the  sum 
wanted  to  have  built  it  in  the  style  adopted,  had  the  market  prices  been  paid  for  the  work. 

COMMENTS    ON    THE   FOREGOING  ESTIMATE. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  foregoing  memorandum,  that  the  estimated  cost  of  an  obelisk  of 
thirty  feet  base,  and  two  hundred  and  twenty  feet  liigh,  was  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  ; 
and  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  tins  is  a  high,  or  low  estimate,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
examine  the  items  that  make  up  the  amount. 

The  first  item  is  for  eleven  hundred  and  seventy-nine  and  one  thud  perches  of  stone,  at  five 
dollars  a  perch,  equal  to  twenty  cents  per  cubic  foot,  nearly,  delivered  on  Bunker's  Hill.  According 
to  the  estimate,  there  were  to  have  been  one  hundred  and  forty-seven  courses  in  the  Obelisk,  of 
eighteen  inches  rise,  and  eighteen  inches  thick  ;  and,  as  no  drawing  accompanied  the  estimate, 
it  is  to  be  presumed  that  they  were  to  have  been  from  six  to  twelve  feet  long,  and  conse- 
quently would  have  been  about  equal  to  posts  and  caps  of  the  same  dimensions.  This  lot  of 
stone  is  estimated  at  twenty  cents  per  cubic  foot,  delivered  at  the  site  of  the  Monument.  It 
will  be  seen  at  once,  by  those  acquainted  with  the  business,  that  twenty  cents  per  cubic  foot, 
for  stone  of  that  quality,  is  a  low  estimate ;  that  it  would  barely  pay  the  prime  cost,  under  the 
best  management.  The  transportation  alone  has  generally  cost  about  twelve  cents  per  foot, 
leaving  but  eight  cents  per  foot,  for  the  quarrying,  loading,  bankage,  and  tools.  The  average 
price  paid  at  the  State  Prison  for  such  stone,  for  the  last  seventeen  years,  where  competition 
has  been  allowed,  and,  consequently,  the  stone  has  been  obtained  at  the  lowest  market  price,  is 
about  thirty-four  cents  per  foot.  And  by  the  Railway  and  Custom  House  prices,  such  stone 
would  come  much  higher. 

The  next  item  in  the  estimate,  is  for  twenty-three  hundred  and  forty-nine  and  two  thirds 
perches  of  stone  for  the  interior.  These  are  estimated,  as  will  be  seen,  at  three  dollars  per 
perch,  or  at  twelve  cents  per  cubic  foot ;  which  was  the  price  of  common  cellar  stone  at  the 
time.  It  must  be  obvious,  therefore,  that  the  price  was  low,  or  that  a  very  ordinary  material 
was  estimated  for. 

The  hammering,  on  the  outside,  appears  to  be  estimated  at  about  a  fair  rate.  It  should 
be  noticed,  however,  that  the  inner  walls  were  to  have  been  left  in  a  rough  state  ;  and  in  the 
design  which  has  been  executed,  the  fine  dressing  on  the  inner  walls  is  about  equal  to  the 


[   13  ] 


fine  dressing  on  the  outside  ;  and,  consequently,  there  is  nearly  double  the  number  of  feet  of 
fine  dressing  on  the  design  which  has  been  executed,  that  there  was  to  have  been  on  the  one 
estimated  for. 

The  hammering  of  the  beds  and  builds,  amounting  to  one  hundred  and  forty-seven  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  thirty-five  feet,  is  estimated  at  six  cents  per  foot.  This  again,  it  will  be 
seen,  is  a  very  low  estimate  for  decent  work,  including  tools  ;  and  it  will  be  obvious,  to  every 
one  acquainted  with  the  business,  that  any  thing  that  could  be  done  for  six  cents  per  foot, 
must  necessarily  be  ordinary  work  ;  the  lowest  work  of  the  kind  in  the  Custom  House  bill  of 
prices  being  twenty-five  cents.  The  laying  of  three  thousand  five  hundred  and  thirty-eight 
perches  of  stone,  at  five  dollars  per  perch,  including  scaffolding  and  rigging,  amounting  for  the 
whole  mason  work,  above  ground,  to  seventeen  thousand  six  hundred  and  ninety  dollars,  seems 
to  be  a  moderate  estimate  ;  as  it  is  understood  that  a  sum  of  nearly  the  amount,  was  carried 
in  for  the  last  contract  alone,  which  was  only  about  one  third  part  of  the  work. 

Of  the  remaining  items,  no  particular  notice  seems  to  be  necessary.  It  must  be  obvious, 
however,  that  the  foregoing  estimate  was  intended  for  a  cheap  kind  of  work,  in  order  to  adapt 
it,  as  far  as  possible,  to  the  low  state  of  the  finances ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  low  rate,  it  amounts 
to  the  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


ABSTRACT    FROM    THE    TREASURERS    REPORT,    FOR    1  8  3  0. 


Receipts. 


Whole  amount  of  subscriptions, 
Grant  of  the  State,  .... 
Ladies'  donations,  . 

Cash  borrowed  on  hypothecation  of  land, 


$58,582  81 


7.000  00 


2.225  38 


22.400  00 


$90,208  19 


Expenditures. 


For  land  on  Bunker's  Hill,  « 

For  quarry  in  Quincy,  

For  a  monument  in  Concord,  

Expenses  connected  with  the  celebration  of  the  fiftieth  anniversary,  and 


$23,332  43 


325  00 


500  00 


laying  the  corner-stone,  .... 
Drawing,  engraving,  printing,  advertising,  taxes,  &c. 

Fixtures,  apparatus,  tools,  &c  

Expense  of  the  monument,  


4.720  85 


2.440  13 


9.606  67 


46.951  13 


$87,772  21 


[   14  ] 


Deposited  with  the   Massachusetts  Hospital  Life   Insurance  Company,  {$87,772^21 
as  an  accumulating  fund  for  Ladies'  donation,    .       .       2.225  38 

Cash  in  the  Treasurer's  hands,   210  60        2.435  98 

$90,208  19 

Boston,  Aug.  18th,  1330.  N.  P.  K.,  Treasurer. 

It  will  be  perceived  that  the  foregoing  is  an  abstract  from  the  Treasurer's  report,  for  1830 ; 
more  than  four  years  after  the  commencement  of  the  work.  It  appears  by  this  abstract,  that 
the  whole  amount  of  the  subscriptions  to  August  isth,  1830,  was       .       .        $58,582  81 

And  the  grant  of  the  State,   7.000  00 

Total,  $65,582  81 

In  order  to  show  the  sum  which  was  available  at  the  commencement  of 
the  work,  we  must  deduct  for  the  cost  of  the  land  which  was  bought,  $23,332  43 

For  the  quarry,   325  00 

For  a  monument  in  Concord,   500  00 

For  the  expenses  of  laying  the  corner-stone,  ....  4.720  85 
For  drawing,  engraving,  printing,  taxes,  &c.  ....  2.440  13 
Literest  deducted  from  State  security,  say       ....  688  00      32.006  41 

Total,  $33,576  40 

Leaving,  according  to  the  above  statement,  thirty-three  thousand  five  hundred  and  seventy-six 
dollars,  and  forty  cents,  as  the  whole  sum  on  hand  and  available  at  the  commencement  of  the 
work.  It  is  presumed,  however,  that  this  is  a  high  estimate,  as  contributions  to  a  considerable 
amount,  were  known  to  have  been  made  after  the  commencement  of  our  work  in  1825,  and 
previous  to  August  eighteenth,  1830,  when  this  report  was  made.  It  is  supposed,  however,  to 
be  sufficiently  near  for  the  purpose  intended. 

It  has  been  shown,  that  the  actual  cost  of  the  Obelisk  was  about  one  hundred  thousand 
dollars ;  this  being  the  total  cost,  notwithstanding  all  the  impediments  that  have  attended  the 
work.  Had  it  been  well  sustained,  and  completed  in  the  course  of  about  three  years — which 
would  have  been  a  reasonable  time — it  would  have  made  a  great  difference  in  the  final  cost. 
It  must  be  obvious,  however,  that,  whatever  the  difference  might  have  been,  it  cannot  be  accurately 
ascertained  ;  but  is  estimated  at  twenty  thousand  dollars,  leaving  eighty  thousand  dollars  as  the 
probable  cost  of  the  Obelisk,  had  the  work  gone  on  without  interruption  or  embarrassment. 

The  suspensions  at  different  times  were  disadvantageous  to  the  economy  of  the  work.  In 
the  first  place,  the  expensive  apparatus,  which  was  indispensable  in  carrying  on  such  a  work, 
by  a  delay  of  five  years,  became  unfit  for  use,  and  consequently  it  required  a  new  outfit,  at 
every  recommencement  of  the  work.  And  the  whole  apparatus  had  lessened  much  in  value 
at  the  end  of  seventeen  years  ;  whereas,  had  the  work  been  executed  in  the  proper  time,  the 
same  apparatus  would  probably  have  sold  for  half  its  first  cost. 


if 


[    15  ] 


And,  secondly,  there  was  a  loss  in  discharging  gangs  of  workmen,  who,  by  practice,  had 
become  expert  in  the  execution  of  the  difficult  work  required  for  the  Obelisk;  and  in  consequence, 
being  under  the  necessity  of  drilling  in  a  new  gang  at  every  recommencement  of  the  work. 
These  suspensions  had  also  a  depressing  effect  on  the  spirits  of  those  engaged  in  the  executive 
parts,  which  was  unfavorable  to  the  economy  of  the  work. 

But  notwithstanding  the  unfavorable  circumstances  that  have  attended  the  work,  it  is  presumed, 
that,  in  regard  to  economy  in  the  execution,  it  will  not  suffer  in  a  comparison  with  any  work 
whatever,  that  has  been  executed  in  modern  times.  And  such  a  comparison  would  probably 
exhibit  its  merits  more  clearly  than  could  be  done  in  any  other  way. 

It  is  found  by  comparison,  that  the  Washington  Monument,  in  Baltimore,  contains  but  about 
half  the  number  of  cubic  feet  of  material  that  are  in  this  Obelisk.  It  consists  of  a  column  of 
about  nineteen  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  set  on  a  pedestal,  and  altogether  about  one  hundred 
and  sixty  feet  high.  It  is  well  executed,  but  of  cheap  construction.  The  foundation  is  of  slaty 
granite,  in  small  pieces,  and  the  body  of  the  work  is  of  bricks,  faced  with  limestone,  and  in 
ashlar  courses  of  about  one  foot  rise.  And,  notwithstanding,  has  cost,  as  stated  on  good  authority, 
about  two  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars.  And,  consequently,  has  cost  twenty  thousand 
dollars  more  than  twice  as  much  as  the  Obelisk. 

It  will  be  seen,  also,  that  the  Obelisk  will  compare  still  more  favorably  with  the  work  now 
going  on  at  the  Custom  House  in  Boston. 

It  appears  by  the  debate  in  Congress,  that  this  Custom  House,  which  it  is  presumed  contains 
about  an  equal  quantity  of  granite  with  the  Obelisk,  has  already  cost  the  sum  of  seven  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  and  requires  three  hundred  thousand  more  to  complete  the  work.  The  whole 
amounting  to  a  million  of  dollars,  and  consequently  equal  to  the  cost  of  ten  such  obelisks  as 
that  on  Bunker's  Hill.  And  it  is  presumed,  that  the  columns  and  pilasters  alone,  which  are 
attached  to  the  body  of  the  work,  have  cost  as  much  as  two  such  obelisks. 

It  must  be  obvious,  therefore,  that  if  these  works  have  been  executed  at  fair  rates,  the 
Obelisk  has  been  built  at  a  very  low  rate  ;  and  could  not  have  been  executed  at  such  a  price 
had  not  the  work  been  skilfully  planned,  and  had  not  the  plan  been  well  sustained,  by  close 
attention  and  hard  labor. 

It  has  already  been  shown,  that  the  work  done  on  the  Obelisk,  had  the  Association  paid 
its  full  value,  would  have  cost  them  the  round  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars ;  whereas, 
the  actual  sum  paid  out  for  the  work  is  but  about  half  that  amount  ;  and,  consequently,  there 
has  been  a  clear  saving  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  by  the  course  taken  in  carrying  it 
on.  And  as  the  saving  of  that  amount  is  equivalent  to  contributing  the  same  amount  in  cash, 
it  follows,  that  those  who  have  planned  and  conducted  the  executive  parts  of  the  work,  have, 
in  effect,  borne  half  of  the  expense,  by  contributing  to  that  amount  in  cash  or  its  equivalent, 


OF  THE  OBELISK:  ITS  ORIGIN,  ETC. 


It  is  already  well  known,  that  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Monument 
intended  to  commemorate  the  Battle  of  Bunker's  Ilill,  did  not  take  place  until  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  that  action.  The  cause  of  the  delay  in  erecting  a  suitable  memorial,  to  mark 
the  spot  on  which  it  occurred,  may  be  traced  to  various  circumstances.  The  deranged  state 
of  affairs  at  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war  was  unfavorable  for  works  of  the  kind.  The 
attention  of  the  People  was  necessarily  directed  to  more  pressing  concerns.  They  were  busily 
engaged  in  repairing  the  damages  occasioned  by  the  war;  and  it  was  only,  when,  by  years  of 
industry  and  economy,  they  had  arrived  at  a  state  of  competence  and  ease,  that  such  a  work 
could  be  successfully  undertaken. 

Soon  after  the  close  of  the  second  war  with  Great  Britain,  however,  the  public  attention 
was  drawn  to  the  subject.  The  prompt  manner  in  which  a  kindred  nation  pays  the  tribute  that 
is  due  to  its  heroes  and  benefactors,  had  often  been  noticed,  and  it  is  presumed  had  some  effect 
in  calling  the  attention  of  our  citizens  to  a  subject  too  long  delayed.  A  meeting  for  devising  the 
best  mode  of  accomplishing  the  object  in  view,  was  called  by  a  few  patriotic  citizens.  The  first 
meeting,  however,  was  but  thinly  attended ;  but,  as  the  object  became  better  known,  the  number 
increased,  and  in  the  year  1823  an  act  of  incorporation  was  obtained,  under  the  name  of  the 
'  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association,'  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  an  appropriate  Monument. 

The  Government  of  the  Association  was  organized  by  a  choice  of  officers  on  the  17th  of  June, 
1823  ;  and  an  address  was  made  to  the  Public,  stating  its  objects,  and  soliciting  pecuniary  aid. 

The  principal  part  of  the  time  from  this  date,  to  June  17th,  1825,  was  employed  in  making 
the  preliminary  arrangements ;  in  collecting  subscriptions ;  securing  the  battle-ground  ;  and  deciding 
on  the  most  appropriate  form  for  the  intended  monument. 

In  regard  to  the  last,  there  was  a  diversity  of  opinion.  The  advertising  for  the  best  design, 
resulted  —  as  is  usual  in  such  cases  —  in  the  exhibition  of  some  fifty  plans,  of  every  imaginable 
form,  of  which  the  obelisk  and  the  column  seemed  to  have  the  preference,  and  were,  consequently, 
selected  as  the  two  from  which  a  choice  should  be  made. 


[    17  ] 


By  referring  to  the  records,  it  may  be  seen,  that  a  meeting  of  the  directors  was  held  on  the 
19th  of  May,  1825,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  report  a  plan  of  an  obelisk,  and  also  of  a 
column,  with  estimates  of  the  expense  of  each. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  directors  on  the  7th  day  of  June,  this  committee  made  a  report  (it  is 
presumed  in  favor  of  a  column).  A  proposition  was  then  made,  and  supported,  which  was  as 
follows :  that  the  directors  of  the  Association  do  now  decide  on,  and  adopt  the  column,  as  the 
form  of  the  object  for  the  proposed  monument.  This  proposal  having  been  discussed  at  great 
length,  the  question  was  finally  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  each  director  being  called  on  in  turn  : 
and  there  being  five  in  the  affirmative,  and  eleven  in  the  negative,  the  proposition  was  rejected. 

"  It  was  then  voted,  that  the  form  of  the  obelisk  shall  be  adopted  for  the  proposed  monument ; 
or,  in  other  words,  a  pyramidal  structure,  such  as  may  be  hereafter  agreed  on.  A  committee  was 
then  chosen  by  ballot,  to  report  a  design  of  an  obelisk  or  pyramidal  structure,  and  to  consider  and 
report  on  the  subject  generally. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  directors  on  the  24th  of  June,  the  chairman  of  the  committee  to  present 
the  design  of  an  obelisk,  stated,  that  he  should  be  ready  to  report  in  about  ten  days.  Ordered, 
that  the  committee  be  continued." 

"July  5th,  1825.  A  meeting  of  the  directors  was  held.  After  a  short  discussion,  it  was 
voted  unanimously,  to  accept  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  plan  of  the  monument" 

It  appears,  therefore,  that  the  design  of  the  Monument  was  not  determined  on,  until  the  5th 
of  July,  1825,  five  weeks  after  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone. 

The  general  dimensions  of  the  obelisk  that  was  adopted  was  thirty  feet  at  the  base,  and  two 
hundred  and  twenty  feet  high;  with  stairs  to  the  top;  and  a  foundation  twelve  feet  deep  and 
fifty  feet  in  diameter  at  the  bottom.  The  directors  would  have  preferred  a  structure  of  greater 
magnitude,  had  the  state  of  the  finances  warranted  it. 

In  order  to  ascertain  the  size  of  the  largest  obelisk  that  could  be  safely  undertaken,  estimates 
were  made  of  the  expense  of  three,  of  different  dimensions ;  all,  however,  of  two  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  in  height. 

An  estimate  was  made  for  one  of  fifteen  feet  base,  with  a  pedestal,  in  imitation  of  one  of 
the  Roman  antiquities.  Another  estimate  was  made  for  one  of  the  dimensions  finally  adopted ; 
and  a  third  for  one  of  forty  feet  base. 

But,  after  mature  consideration,  it  was  decided,  that  one  of  thirty  feet  base  was  as  large  as 
could  be  safely  undertaken  with  the  means  at  disposal. 

It  will  be  perceived,  therefore,  that  the  size  of  the  Obelisk  had  necessarily  to  conform  to  the 
means  available ;  and  was  so  decided  by  the  committee  on  the  designs.  But  whatever  related 
to  the  form  and  arrangement  of  the  details  —  the  construction,  and  mode  of  carrying  the  work 
into  execution  —  was  left  entirely  to  the  architect  and  superintendent  of  the  work. 

3 


[   18  ] 


At  a  meeting  of  the  directors,  July  5th,  1825,  it  was  also  voted,  that  the  building  committee 
consist  of  live,  instead  of  three  ;  and  a  report  was  made,  of  rules  and  regulations  for  their 
government,  which  were  as  follows : 

1st.  There  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  a  building  committee  of  five  persons,  all  of  whom 
shall  be  members  of  the  board  of  directors. 

2d.  The  committee  shall  have  power  to  commence  and  prosecute  the  building  of  the  Obelisk ; 
to  contract  with  the  architect  and  mason,  and  with  all  other  persons  to  be  employed  in  erecting 
the  same,  and  to  superintend  the  building,  and  to  prescribe  and  direct  the  performance  of  the 
duties  and  services  of  all  persons  who  may  be  employed,  and  to  dismiss  such  as  they  may 
find  to  be  incapable,  unfaithful,  or  negligent,  and  to  employ  others  in  their  stead. 

3d.  The  board  of  directors  shall  appropriate  and  place  at  the  disposal  of  the  building 
committee,  sums  of  money  in  the  treasury  of  the  Association,  from  time  to  time,  as  the  directors 
may  see  fit;  and  the  sums  of  money,  so  appropriated  for  the  building  of  the  Monument,  shall 
be  drawn  from  the  treasury  by  an  order  signed  by  the  major  part,  at  least,  of  the  building 
committee  ;  and  if  the  building  committee  shall  expend  or  contract  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
cause  the  expenditure  of  the  money,  at  any  time,  more  than  shall  have  been  so  appropriated 
and  placed  at  the  disposal  of  said  committee,  the  directors  shall  not  be,  nor  the  corporation, 
liable  for  such  excess. 

4th.  The  building  committee  shall  make  a  quarterly  exhibit,  in  writing,  of  their  proceedings, 
to  the  board  of  directors,  and  shall  then  make  known  all  the  contracts  made  ;  moneys  expended ; 
moneys  contracted  for  ;  and  progress  of  the  work,  at  each  successive  exhibit. 

5th.  The  building  committee  may  establish  rules  and  regulations,  for  their  own  government, 
and  may  employ  a  clerk  at  the  expense  of  the  corporation. 

6th.  The  building  committee  shall  be,  in  all  things,  and  all  respects,  subject  to  the  control 
of  the  board  of  directors,  in  the  execution  of  their  trusts. 

7th.  On  the  removal,  resignation,  or  decease  of  any  one  or  more  of  the  members  of  said 
committee,  the  directors  shall  convene,  and  fill  the  vacancy  or  vacancies  so  occasioned  by  ballot ; 
notice  to  be  given  of  the  purpose  of  the  meeting,  at  which  such  election  shall  be  made,  seven 
days,  at  least,  previous  to  holding  such  meeting. 

October  17th.  Voted,  That  the  building  committee  be  a  standing  committee,  with  authority 
to  exercise  all  the  powers  of  the  directors,  in  the  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  Association,  and 
to  call  meetings  of  the  directors,  whenever  they  shall  judge  it  expedient. 

Voted,   That  this  committee  be  authorized  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  body. 

Owing  to  the  restrictions  imposed  on  the  building  committee,  by  the  directors,  in  the  foregoing 
rules,  there  was  some  difficulty,  in  finding  those  who  were  disposed  to  act  on  this  committee, 


[   19  ] 


and  it  was  not  until  near  the  middle  of  October,  that  the  committee  was  organized,  by  the 
choice  of  Dr.  John  C.  Warren,  as  Chairman. 

The  Architect  and  Superintendent  was  then  appointed,  and  the  requisite  models  and  working 
draughts  were  made  out.  In  order  to  obtain  the  work  at  the  lowest  rates,  the  usual  course 
was  followed,  of  advertising  for  the  best  proposals  for  doing  it :  and  the  following  advertisement 
was  inserted  in  the  papers  of  the  day,  by  the  chairman  of  the  building  committee,  namely : 

"Proposals  will  be  received,  for  furnishing  the  granite  for  an  obelisk,  to  be  erected  on 
Bunker's  Hill.  The  quantity  required  will  be  about  nine  thousand  tons,  and  must  be  delivered 
at  the  prison  in  Charlestown,  or  at  a  wharf  near  the  Navy  Yard,  as  may  be  required.  The 
dimensions  of  the  blocks  to  be  about  two  feet  six  inches  wide,  and  twelve  feet  long.  The 
granite,  for  the  foundation,  may  be  of  a  coarse  kind,  and  it  will  require  about  fourteen  hundred 
tons.  The  outside  courses  of  the  Obelisk,  must  be  of  the  best  Quincy  granite,  of  uniform  color, 
of  which  about  twenty-six  hundred  tons  will  be  required. 

"  Proposals  will  also  be  received  for  Chelmsford  granite,  for  the  outer  courses.  Those  who 
estimate,  may  furnish  any  quantity,  to  suit  their  own  convenience.  Proposals  are  to  be  handed 
to  S.  Willard,  architect  and  superintendent  of  the  Monument,  next  to  St.  Paul's  church,  Boston, 
who  will  furnish  all  necessary  information  on  the  subject." 

The  plans  and  models  were  examined  by  most  of  those  in  the  granite  business ;  but  no 
proposal  was  offered,  except  by  one  individual,  who  offered  to  furnish  a  part  at  a  price  three  times 
the  estimated  cost. 

A  (marry  had  been  purchased,  and  it  was  intended  to  quarry  the  stone  by  the  day,  should 
no  favorable  proposal  be  offered.  It  was  estimated,  that  the  prime  cost  of  the  granite,  in  this 
way  —  delivered  at  the  site  of  the  Monument,  would  not  exceed  twenty  cents  per  foot,  for  the 
largest  blocks  wanted. 

The  object  in  advertising,  however,  was  to  give  every  one  a  chance,  who  might  have  been 
disposed,  to  furnish  it;  and,  had  the  price  offered  been  less  than  twenty  cents  per  foot,  it  was 
the  intention  to  have  abandoned  the  project  of  quarrying  the  granite  on  our  own  account. 

It  was  finally  concluded,  however,  to  work  our  own  quarry,  and  the  result  has  shown,  that 
there  were  important  advantages  attending  it.  In  the  first  place,  the  work  was  obtained  by  the 
Association  at  prime  cost;  no  profit  being  allowed  to  any  one.  And,  secondly,  it  placed  the 
Association  in  a  position  beyond  the  reach  of  any  combination,  that  might  have  been  disposed 
to  extort  a  high  price,  for  the  difficult  work  which  was  required  for  the  Obelisk. 

Instead  of  paying  ninety  cents  per  foot,  which  was  about  the  average  market  price  for  the 
kind  of  stone  wanted,  the  first  thirty-six  thousand  feet  were  delivered  at  the  site  of  the  Monument, 
at  about  twenty  cents  per  foot,  namely : 


[   20  ] 


The  cost  of  the  quarrying,  including  tools,  was        .       .       .       .       10  cents  per  foot. 

The  cost  of  transportation  to  Devens's  wharf,  by  railroad,       .       .       5.8  mills. 

The  cost  of  wharfing,  and  hauling  to  the  site  of  the  Monument,  .       3.7  mills. 

The  cost  of  loading  at  the  quarry,  estimated  at       ...  5  mills. 

Total  cost  per  cubic  foot,  delivered  on  the  hill,        ....       20  cents. 

The  quarrying  of  the  remaining  fifty-one  thousand  feet  was  done  at  the  same  rate ;  but, 
as  it  was  carried  by  land,  the  transportation  cost  about  twelve  cents  per  foot.  This,  together 
with  the  quarrying,  amounted  to  twenty-two  cents  per  foot,  for  the  last  part  of  the  work. 

The  market  price  of  a  block  of  average  size  in  the  Monument  has  been  shown  to  be  about 
ninety  cents  per  foot,  and  the  difference  between  twenty-one  cents,  the  average  cost  of  the  whole, 
and  ninety  cents,  the  market  price,  is  sixty-nine  cents.  This,  multiplied  by  eighty-seven  thousand, 
the  whole  number  of  feet,  will  amount  to  sixty  thousand  dollars,  as  the  saving  in  the  granite 
alone  ;  which  may  be  considered  important,  when  the  low  state  of  the  finances  is  taken  into  the 
account.  No  contingency  attended  this  part  of  the  work,  except  a  small  one  in  preparing  the 
quarry,  and  estimated  at  a  cent  per  foot,  on  eighty-seven  thousand  feet. 

It  was  well  known  to  the  working  associates  at  the  time,  that  a  work  of  the  magnitude 
and  construction  adopted,  and  at  the  prices  which  had  been  uniformly  paid  for  such  work,  would 
have  cost  the  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars ;  but  it  was  calculated,  that,  by  working  a 
good  quarry  in  a  skilful  manner,  the  same  might  be  obtained  for  half  that  amount.  That  course 
was,  therefore,  recommended  to  the  intelligent  chairman  of  the  building  committee,  and  adopted 
by  him,  and  has  fully  answered  every  expectation  ;  as  the  whole  work,  together,  has  been  done 
at  half  of  the  market  price  ;  and,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  granite,  has  cost  but  a  quarter  part 
—  the  actual  cost  being  twenty-two  cents  per  foot,  and  ninety  cents  per  foot,  being  the  market 
value. 

It  follows,  therefore,  that  the  main  purpose  of  these  experiments,  has  been  fully  accomplished  ; 
namely,  the  building  of  the  Obelisk,  at  the  lowest  possible  rate,  which  the  impediments  attending 
the  work  would  allow. 

There  are  other  important  considerations,  connected  with  these  experiments,  however,  and 
advantages  growing  out  of  them  —  only  secondary  to  the  main  purpose ;  namely,  the  effect  they 
have  had  in  improving  the  style  of  building,  and  the  taste  in  architecture,  by  the  introduction  of 
a  building  material  not  before  in  use  ;  and  showing  that  it  can  be  worked  into  any  moulded  or 
ornamental  form  required,  for  the  exterior  of  the  best  structures,  and  at  a  reasonable  rate.  And 
thereby  having  supplied  a  desideratum  which  had  always  existed,  until  the  commencement  of 
these  experiments. 

A  strongly  marked  improvement  in  taste,  and  in  construction,  immediately  followed  the  com- 
mencement of  this  work  ;  as  will  be  obvious,  on  viewing  the  public  structures  which  have  been 
erected  since  that  time.  Improvement  in  construction  may  be  noticed  in  the  Dry  Docks  in 
Charlestown  and  Norfolk,  executed  soon  after  the  commencement  of  our  work.     And  many  of 


[   21  ] 


the  buildings  recently  erected  in  Boston,  and  New  York,  will  show  improvement  in  architectural 
taste,  and  mechanical  execution.  And  particularly  the  Astor  House,  and  Exchange,  in  New  York, 
and  the  Tremont  House,  Exchange,  and  Custom  House,  in  Boston.  A  change  for  the  better 
may  also  be  seen  in  the  recent  blocks  of  stores,  of  which  the  same  material  forms  an  essential 
part. 

The  building  of  the  Obelisk,  led  also  to  the  construction  of  the  first  railroad  in  the  country, 
this  having  been  built  expressly  to  carry  the  granite  for  this  Obelisk.  It  may  therefore  be  recurred 
to,  by  those  concerned,  with  some  pride  and  satisfaction  on  that  account,  as  exhibiting  enterprise 
in  the  introduction  of  valuable  improvements. 

In  a  pecuniary  point  of  view  these  experiments  have  also  been  advantageous.  In  establishing 
the  credit  of  a  new  building  material  it  created  a  new  demand  ;  and,  consequently,  a  business 
has  grown  out  of  them  since  the  work  commenced  —  and  in  a  space  of  a  few  square  miles 
—  amounting,  as  estimated,  to  three  millions  of  dollars,  which  would  not  otherwise  have  been 
done  at  these  quarries,  and  of  which  the  work  on  the  Obelisk  is  but  about  one  thirtieth  part. 


DESCRIPTION    OF    THE  PLATES. 
No.  1.    Is  a  general  view  from  the  south. 

No.  2.  Is  an  angular  view  of  the  part  of  the  foundation  which  is  below  the  present  surface, 
and  consequently  not  open  to  inspection.  Tins  view  is  intended  to  show  the  connection  of  the 
different  courses  with  each  other,  and  also  the  bond.  This  foundation  consists  of  six  courses, 
of  two  feet  rise  ;  and,  consequently,  required  the  foundation  to  be  sunk  twelve  feet  below  the 
present  surface.  The  first  course  is  fifty  feet  in  diameter.  The  blocks  of  stone  composing  it 
being  rough  dressed,  and  covering  the  whole  surface,  except  the  corners.  Tt  will  be  seen,  by 
the  plan,  that  there  are  forty-four  stones  in  this  course,  twelve  feet  long,  two  feet  six  inches 
wide,  and  two  feet  thick  ;  equal  to  five  tons  in  weight,  each,  and  the  remainder,  averaging  about 
three  and  a  half  tons.  It  will  also  be  perceived,  that  the  first  course  presents  a  row  of  twelve 
headers,  on  each  side.  The  second  course  are  stretchers,  falling  back  three  feet,  and  lapping 
on  to  the  centre  of  the  blocks  in  the  first  course.  The  third  course  shows  headers,  going  back 
into  the  body  of  the  work ;  and  the  fourth,  stretchers,  as  before.  The  top  course  seen  in  this 
view,  is  now  wholly  above  ground,  and  exhibits  the  construction  of  the  first  course,  and  also  a 
view  of  Holmes's  Derrick. 

No.  3.  Exhibits  the  construction  of  a  part  of  the  first  course,  on  a  larger  scale.  It  will 
be  seen,  that  the  headers  go  through  the  wall  in  every  other  course.  The  length  of  the  first 
headers  is  six  feet ;  this  being  the  thickness  of  the  wall  at  the  base  of  the  Obelisk.  The  weight 
of  the  blocks  of  granite,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Obelisk,  range  from  nine  to  five  tons. 


[   22  ] 


No.  4.  Is  a  view  of  a  part  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  courses  in  the  foundation,  on  a 
larger  scale,  and  shows  the  connection  of  these  courses.  The  hollow  cone  commences  at  the 
top  of  the  first  course. 

No.  5.  Is  a  section  through  the  Obelisk,  showing  its  diameter  at  the  base,  and  at  the  top, 
and  also  the  height.  The  footing  in  the  ground  is  also  shown,  and  the  number  of  revolutions 
in  the  stairs,  which  are  required  to  reach  the  chamber.  It  has  also  a  table  of  contents,  showing 
the  number  of  cubic  feet  of  granite  in  each  course ;  and  also  the  number  of  feet  of  fine  dressing. 

The  foundation  is  fifty  feet  broad  at  the  bottom,  and  twelve  feet  high  to  the  surface  of  the 
ground.  The  Obelisk  is  thirty  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  fifteen  at  the  top  of  the  truncated 
part,  and  two  hundred  and  twenty  feet  high.  The  outer  wall  is  six  feet  thick  at  the  bottom, 
and  two  feet  at  the  top.  The  diameter  of  the  hollow  cone  is  ten  feet  at  the  bottom,  and  six 
feet  at  the  top.  The  thickness  of  the  wall  of  the  hollow  cone  is  one  sixth  at  the  bottom  and  one 
foot  at  the  top.  The  chamber  is  a  circular  room,  eleven  feet  in  diameter,  and  seventeen  feet 
high,  with  four  windows,  facing  nearly  the  four  cardinal  points. 

No.  6.  Shows  the  plan  of  the  Obelisk,  with  that  of  the  foundation,  projecting  ten  feet  on 
every  side.  It  also  shows  the  number  of  the  blocks  of  stone  wliich  compose  the  first  course, 
with  the  door  and  the  commencement  of  the  steps.  The  outside  courses  were  two  feet  eight 
inches  rise,  the  courses  of  the  cone  one  foot  four  inches  each,  and  the  steps  eight  inches. 
In  construction  the  courses  are  alike,  except  diminishing  as  they  recede  from  the  base  upward. 
In  order  to  preserve  the  bond,  however,  the  headers  are  shifted  to  opposite  sides  in  each  suc- 
ceeding course,  namely  :  in  the  first  course,  the  headers  show  on  the  east  and  west  sides,  and 
in  the  second  on  the  south,  and  so  on. 

No.  7.  Plans  of  the  first  and  second  courses  of  the  foundation,  showing  the  change  in 
the  dimensions,  and  form  of  the  blocks  of  stone,  in  each  succeeding  course.  These  dimensions 
are  marked,  and  plain  to  inspection. 

No.  8.     Plans  of  the  third  and  fourth  courses  in  the  foundation. 

No.  9.     Plans  of  the  fifth  and  sixth  courses  of  the  foundation. 

No.  10.  Shows  the  construction  of  the  first  course.  The  bond  of  the  header,  in  the 
second  course,  over  the  stretcher  and  skirting,  in  the  first  course;  and  also  the  locking  of  the 
quoins,  and  bond  of  the  centre  stretcher,  in  the  second  course,  over  the  header  in  the  first 
course.  It  also  shows  the  corner-stone,  in  its  first  position.  Fig.  1.  After  the  box  had  been 
put  into  an  excavation  prepared  for  it  (wliich  is  shown  in  the  drawing),  the  stone  was  turned 
down  ;  and,  with  the  hoisting  apparatus,  was  set  in  its  place.  Fig.  2.  This  was  done  without 
ceremony,  under  the  direction  of  the  chairman  of  the  building  committee,  Dr.  John  C.  Warren, 
by  the  master  mason  of  the  work. 

The  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone  in  a  temporary  manner,  had  taken  place  some 
time  previous  to  this  date  ;  in  consequence  of  a  desire  that  it  might  be  done  on  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  the  battle,  and  during  the  visit  of  General  Lafayette.     The  design  of  the  Monu- 


[   23  ] 


ment,  however,  had  not  been  matured  at  the  time,  and  consequently  nothing  was  intended  to 
be  permanent.  The  box  was  deposited  between  two  small  blocks  of  granite,  which  were 
cramped  together  ;  and  for  further  security  were  overlaid  by  a  mass  of  rough  granite.  When 
the  design  was  matured,  however,  it  became  necessary  to  sink  the  foundation  much  deeper  ; 
and  all  was  taken  up,  and  the  box  intrusted  for  safe  keeping  to  the  chairman  of  the  building 
committee.  When  the  present  foundation  was  completed,  the  box  was  deposited  in  its  proper 
place,  in  a  stone  of  about  nine  tons'  weight  ;  forming  the  quoin  at  the  northeast  angle,  as  has 
been  already  stated. 

The  view  also  shows  Holmes's  Hoisting  Apparatus,  which  was  used  for  setting  the  first 
fifty-five  thousand  feet  of  the  granite  in  the  Obelisk.*  This  apparatus,  Avith  various  modifica- 
tions to  adapt  it  to  different  purposes,  appears  to  have  been  the  original  invention  of  Almoran 
Holmes,  of  Boston.  He  was  a  practical  seaman,  and  a  bold  and  skilful  hand  in  this  depart- 
ment of  engineering.  He  had  recently  given  his  attention  to  the  different  kinds  of  machinery, 
required  for  the  hoisting  of  heavy  weights,  and,  from  his  early  training,  was  well  prepared  to 
direct  in  all  difficult  cases,  and  particularly  where  rope  purchases  were  required.  He  finally 
lost  his  life  by  a  casualty  which  occurred  at  Long  Wharf,  in  Boston,  in  lowering  a  diving  bell. 
He  had  the  entire  charge  of  contriving  the  apparatus,  and  hoisting  the  first  thirty-six  thousand 
feet  of  granite  in  the  Obelisk  ;  but,  previous  to  the  recommencement  of  the  work  in  1834, 
the  fatal  accident  occurred,  which  deprived  the  Association  and  the  public  of  his  invaluable 
services. 

This  hoisting  apparatus  is  remarkable  for  its  compass,  and  for  the  ease  and  grace  with  which 
it  performs  its  work.  With  a  gaff,  or  arm  of  fifty  feet  (when  well  adjusted),  it  will  command 
a  circle  of  a  hundred  feet  in  diameter.  It  will  take  a  weight  at  the  point  of  the  gaff,  and 
land  the  same  at  any  part  of  the  outer  circle  ;  or  on  any  point  of  a  concentric  circle,  until 
it  arrives  at  the  foot  of  the  derrick,  and  vice  versa.  It  is  consequently  well  adapted  to  buildings 
of  magnitude,  in  setting  the  stone  work;  and  for  wharves,  and  other  places  of  deposit,  in  stowing 
the  materials  in  the  most  compact  manner;  and  reloading  them  when  wanted.  This  apparatus, 
with  some  variations,  has  come  into  general  use,  and  is  so  well  contrived  for  the  purpose  in- 
tended, as  to  leave  little  to  be  wished  for,  in  regard  to  apparatus  for  hoisting. 

Something  of  the  kind  is  said  to  have  been  used  at  the  Bell-Rock  lighthouse,  for  setting 
the  stone  work;  and  it  is  quite  possible  that  this  apparatus,  and  indeed  every  other  modern 
invention  for  the  purpose  of  hoisting,  may  have  been  in  use  before.  The  great  works  of  the 
ancients  that  have  come  down  to  us,  prove  that  they  must  have  had  an  apparatus  of  great  power 
of  some  kind;  and  it  seems  quite  probable,  that  this,  as  well  as  other  inventions  of  modern  times, 
may  have  been  repeatedly  invented  and  lost,  within  the  last  four  thousand  years. 

No.  11.  Exhibits  three  views  of  the  lifting  jack.  This  jack  has  been  found  to  be  a  useful 
machine  for  turning  heavy  blocks  of  stone.     It  is  a  compact  and  powerful  machine,  calculated 


*  All  the  remaining  stone  were  hoisted  by  steam  power. 


[   24  ] 

for  hard  service,  and,  for  some  purposes,  seems  to  be  better  adapted  than  any  other  power.  It 
consists  of  a  rack,  and  one  or  more  wheels  and  pinions,  according  to  the  power  required. 

Something  of  the  kind  has  been  in  use  from  the  earliest  times ;  but  was  not  used  in  the 
granite  business  until  the  work  on  the  Monument  commenced.  Those  in  use  were  constructed 
for  other  purposes,  and  not  adapted  to  hard  service.  They  were  generally  made  of  thin  plates 
of  iron,  bolted  to  a  large  stock  of  wood,  having  a  feeble  rack,  and  without  proper  boxes  for 
the  gudgeons.  They  were  also  weak  and  of  rude  workmanship,  and,  when  put  to  hard  service, 
either  broke  or  wore  down  and  out  of  gear  in  a  short  time. 

In  order  to  adapt  it  to  hard  service  thicker  plates  were  used,  and  these  plates  were  screwed 
to  a  hoop  of  iron.  This  iron  hoop  extended  to  the  foot  of  the  jack,  and  the  foot  was  bolted 
on,  giving  the  whole  a  firm  bearing  on  the  ground;  a  piece  of  wood  was  bolted  between  the 
sides,  leaving  a  groove  for  the  sliding  of  the  rack. 

It  was  considered  important,  that  the  best  of  materials  should  be  used,  in  order  to  obtain  the 
greatest  strength,  with  the  least  weight.  And,  consequently,  the  whole  was  made  of  the  best 
of  wrought  iron  and  cast  steel  ;  except  the  boxes,  which  were  of  bronze,  or  composition.  The 
rack  and  the  wheels  were  of  wrought  iron,  and  the  pinions  of  cast  steel. 

It  will  be  seen,  by  the  side  view,  that  the  claw  of  the  jack  rests  upon  the  ground,  when  the 
rack  is  run  down;  and,  consequently,  a  hold  may  be  obtained  of  a  stone  laying  on  the  ground. 

No.  12.  Is  a  view  of  the  pulling  jack.  This  jack  is  constructed  much  like  that  for  lifting  ; 
but  is  always  in  a  horizontal  position.  The  crank  pinion  is  extended  two  or  three  feet,  and 
turned  by  four  arms  about  three  feet  long.  The  rack  has  a  claw  at  the  end  to  receive  a  chain, 
which  may  be  led  to  places  which  arc  inaccessible,  and  dangerous  for  using  the  common  jack. 
It  is  a  powerful  and  convenient  purchase,  for  canting  and  hauling  out  heavy  blocks  of  stone. 

The  power  of  the  one  exhibited  is  about  ten  tons  ;  but,  by  the  addition  of  a  sheive,  the 
power  is  nearly  doubled  —  amounting  to  twenty  tons.  If  more  is  necessary,  it  is  obtained  by 
adding  another  jack.     This  machine  was  contrived  and  first  used  at  the  Bunker  Hill  quarry. 

No.  13.  Shows  two  views  of  a  hoisting  apparatus,  calculated  for  weights  too  heavy  for 
shears,  or  derricks,  and  has  been  found  convenient  for  loading  any  stone  from  five  to  fifty  or 
even  sixty  tons  in  weight.  A  horse  or  timber  frame  is  set  over  the  stone  to  be  raised,  sup- 
porting a  screw  and  nut.  A  chain  from  the  weight,  leads  to  a  shackle,  which  is  connected  with 
the  screw.  The  nut  is  then  turned  round  by  long  arms,  and  the  weight  raised  to  a  proper 
height  for  the  carriage  to  pass  under  it,  and,  when  properly  adjusted,  the  weight  is  lowered  to 
its  bearings. 

For  blocks  of  granite  of  great  length,  such  as  columns  and  pilasters,  &c,  tAvo  horses  and 
screws  were  used.  In  unloading  the  same,  the  apparatus  was  placed  over  them,  and  the  weight 
raised  sufficiently  to  clear  the  carriage.  The  carriage  was  then  drawn  out,  and  the  weight  lower- 
ed to  the  ground.  Many  hundreds  of  loads  have  been  raised  in  this  way  without  accident,  and 
of  all   dimensions   over   five  tons  in  weight,  and  less   than   sixty,  without  accident,  and  with 


» 


[   25  ] 

great  facility  and  economy.  This  apparatus  was  contrived  at  the  Bunker  Hill  quarry,  and  first 
used  in  loading  a  large  mass  of  the  granite  for  the  Obelisk. 

No.  14.  Represents  a  large  carriage,  constructed  for  carrying  the  columns  for  the  Merchants' 
Exchange  in  New  York,  from  the  quarry  to  the  whar£  about  five  miles. 

There  were  eighteen  of  these  fluted  columns,  of  about  thirty  tons  each.  There  were  also 
about  fifty  blocks  of  other  large  stone  carried  on  the  same  carriage  for  this  Exchange,  consisting 
of  pedestal  blocks,  architrave  pieces,  &c,  from  twelve  to  sixteen  tons  in  weight. 

The  same  carriage,  with  some  modification,  was  used  in  transporting  the  pilasters  for  the 
new  Exchange  in  Boston,  and  a  part  of  the  columns  and  architraves  at  the  Custom  House. 
The  corner  pilasters  at  the  Exchange,  being  about  fifty-five  tons  in  weight,  four  additional  wheels 
were  connected  ;  and  the  four  fluted  pilasters  were  carried  on  two  carriages,  of  four  wheels  each. 

The  axles  of  the  forward  carriage  were  made  about  twenty  years  ago,  for  transporting  the 
columns  at  the  Branch  Bank,  and  have  been  in  use  since  that  time.  They  were  first  used  in 
transporting  these  columns  from  Westford  to  Boston,  and  afterwards  for  carrying  the  four  col- 
umns at  the  meeting-house  in  Quincy. 

The  axle  of  the  hind  wheels  is  6  inches  in  diameter. 
The  axle  of  the  middle    "      is  5 
The  axle  of  the  forward  "      is  Ah  " 

The  experiments  in  the  transportation  of  heavy  stone  have  been  entirely  successful,  the  whole 
having  been  accomplished  with  much  ease,  and  without  any  serious  accident. 

The  average  cost  of  transporting  the  columns  for  the  Merchants'  Exchange  in  New  York, 
from  the  quarry  to  the  wharf,  was  about  one  hundred  dollars  each.  The  distance  about  five 
miles. 


APPENDIX. 

1 


INSTRUCTIONS  TO  THE  SUPERINTENDENT. 

The  building  committee  of  the  Bunker  Ilill  Monument  Association,  in  the  name  and  behalf 
of  the  corporation  for  erecting  a  monument  to  commemorate  the  battle  of  Bunker  Ilill;  to 
Solomon  Willard.  Whereas,  this  committee,  having  special  confidence  in  your  abilities  and 
integrity,  do  hereby  appoint  you  architect  for  the  construction  of  said  Monument ;  and,  furthermore, 
they  do  also  appoint  you  superintendent  for  the  execution  of  the  same  in  all  its  details,  and 
also  commit  these  important  trusts  to  your  charge,  in  full  confidence  that  you  will  employ  your 
best  ability  to  complete  the  same  with  all  the  economy  and  despatch  so  great  a  work  will 
permit. 

In  the  execution  of  the  Monument  you  will  take  for  your  guide  a  plan  drawn  by  yourself 
and  accepted  by  the  directors  of  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association,  which  plan  is  now 
in  your  hands  —  and  all  models  and  plans,  are  to  be  formed  on  the  ground  of  the  above  plan, 
and  you  are  requested  to  have  all  plans,  models,  and  all  parts  of  the  Avork  under  your  care, 
so  arranged,  that,  in  case  of  any  accident  befalling  you,  (which  may  a  good  Providence 
avert,)  the  plans,  models,  and  other  works,  may  be  delivered  over  to  your  successor,  so  that 
the  great  work  which  you  have  conducted  thus  far,  may  be  continued  without  impediment. 

As  a  considerable  quantity  of  the  material  for  the  construction  of  the  Monument  is  already 
got  out,  and  as  your  experience  on  this  subject  will  guide  you  as  to  the  times  and  quantities 
of  preparing  it  ;  it  is  not  necessary  to  give  any  instructions,  on  this  head.  Our  wish  is, 
that  a  sufficient  quantity  of  stone  should  be  got  ready,  to  begin  the  construction  of  the 
Monument  as  early  in  the  spring  as  the  weather  will  allow ;  and  to  carry  it  on  without 
delay  through  the  following  season. 

We  do  not  consider  it  best  to  transport  any  stone  to  Charlestown  this  season,  except  a 
small  quantity,  as  an  experiment  made  to  gratify  the  public  curiosity.  But  we  should  wish 
that  contracts  should  be  made  for  the  transportation  of  the  stone  to  Charlestown,  in  season  to 
open  the   spring   without   delay.      It   would  be   best,  also,  to  make  all  other  contracts  for  the 


[   27  ] 


sand,  lime,  and  other  materials,  and  also  for  mason's,  and  carpenter's,  and  blacksmiths'  work,  as 
far  forward  as  yon  can  see  the  necessity  of  employing  such  workmen. 

In  order  to  determine  whether  it  will  be  best  to  have  the  stone  hammered  at  the  quarry, 
or  in  Charlestown,  we  wish  you  to  make  an  experiment  of  the  cost  of  hammering  stone,  of 
the  various  forms  you  may  require  ;  and,  this  being  done,  to  apply  to  the  superintendent  of 
the  State  Prison,  to  ascertain  what  the  hammering  of  similar  stones  would  cost  at  the  Prison. 
In  case  we  should  decide  to  have  the  hammering  done  at  the  quarry,  we  authorize  you  to 
erect  the  necessary  buildings,  procure  the  requisite  apparatus,  and  to  employ  as  many  hands  as 
may  be  required  for  such  work ;  and  the  sooner  this  is  done,  after  the  principal  point  is 
settled,  the  better. 

You  will  no  doubt  employ  this  winter  in  making  such  plans  and  models  as  may  be 
wanted,  in  getting  all  the  machinery  in  good  order,  and  placing  it  in  the  most  convenient 
situation,  and  for  these  purposes  you  are  authorized  to  employ  suitable  artificers.  It  will  be  best 
to  see  that  a  proper  wharf,  or  place  for  landing  the  stone  at  Charlestown  is  secured  for  the 
benefit  of  our  operations,  as  long  as  may  be  required  ;  provided  the  expense  thereof  be  not 
great.  Also,  that  the  wharf  thus  procured  be  in  a  proper  condition  to  receive  the  material, 
and  all  necessary  works  be  erected  there  in  good  time.  We  also  authorize  you  to  lay  flag- 
stones of  granite  on  that  part  of  Bunker  Hill  where  you  determine  to  carry  up  the  stone. 

In  case  of  any  deficiency  in  your  instructions  ;  or  the  occurrence  of  any  new  questions, 
you  will  refer  to  the  committee  through  the  chairman  ;  and,  whenever  the  case  is  important,  this 
should  be  done  in  writing. 

You  will  be  provided  with  such  moneys  as  you  may  require  by  applying  to  the  chairman ; 
giving  him  sufficient  notice,  so  that  he  may  have  lime  to  draw  money  from  the  Treasury  ; 
and  you  will  exhibit  the  state  of  your  accounts  monthly,  or  as  nearly  so  as  your  duties  permit, 
to  Amos  Lawrence,  Esq.,  who,  Avith  the  chairman,  constitute  the  committee  of  accounts. 

Should  you  find  it  necessary,  in  order  that  you  may  devote  your  time  to  more  important 
objects,  officers  will  be  appointed  under  you  for  writing,  payment  of  moneys,  and  the  performance 
of  other  duties  which  might  interfere  with  higher  concerns. 

By  order  of  the  building  committee  of  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument. 

JOHN   C.   WARREN,  Chairman. 

Boston,  Dec.  1st,  1826. 


[  28  J 


CONTRACT    FOR    CARRYING    THE  STONE. 

This  agreement  made  and  concluded  this  twenty-seventh  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  eighteen  hundred  and  twenty-seven,  by  and  between  the  Granite  Railway  Company,  herein 
acting  by  Thomas  H.  Perkins,  their  President,  on  the  one  part,  and  the  building  committee  of 
the  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association,  herein  acting  by  John  C.  Warren,  chairman  of  said 
committee,  on  the  other  part,  witnesseth,  that  the  said  Granite  Railway  Company  hereby  promise 
the  said  John  C.  Warren,  chairman  as  aforesaid,  to  receive  on  the  said  Company's  Railway, 
during  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  twenty-seven  (three  thousand  tons)  of  hewn  stone,  to  be 
used  in  building  the  Monument  aforesaid  ;  at  such  times  during  the  said  year  as  the  said 
John  C.  Warren,  or  the  superintendent,  shall  offer  to  be  carried,  and  not  exceeding  thirty  tons 
in  a  day  —  and  that  said  company  will  carry  the  same  hewn  stone  from  the  place  where  the 
same  shall  be  delivered,  on  the  Railway,  to  the  wharf  of  the  said  company,  and  thence  by 
water  to  Devens's  wharf,  in  the  town  of  Charlestown,  and  there  deliver  the  same  on  to  the 
said  wharf,  the  said  Warren,  or  the  superintendent,  or  other  agent  of  the  said  building  committee, 
furnishing  a  crane  at  the  building  committee's  expense,  properly  prepared  for  hoisting  the  said 
stone  from  the  said  company's  boats,  on  to  the  wharf;  the  said  company  assuming  on 
themselves  the  expense  of  transportation  from  the  place  of  delivery,  which  is  to  be  on  the 
Railway,  and  actually  between  the  sides  thereof,  until  the  delivery  on  the  said  Devens's  wharf, 
with  the  use  of  the  crane,  to  be  by  said  company  furnished.  And  the  said  company  hereby 
promise  to  do  the  said  carrying,  with  all  reasonable  care  and  fidelity,  and  without  doing  any 
injury  to  the  stone,  which  can  be  avoided  with  due  care  and  reasonable  diligence. 

And  the  said  company  further  promise  and  assume  upon  themselves,  to  take,  carry,  and 
deliver  any  quantity  of  stone  daily,  which  the  said  Warren,  or  the  agent  employed  under  him, 
or  said  Committee  may  require,  not  exceeding  thirty  tons  of  stone  in  any  one  day. 

And  the  said  John  C.  Warren,  chairman  of  the  said  building  committee,  hereby  promises, 
and  assumes  upon  himself  to  pay  to  said  company,  at  the  expiration  of  each  successive  three 
months,  from  the  commencement  of  the  delivery,  at  said  Devens's  wharf,  in  Charlestown,  the 
sum  of  seventy-five  cents  for  each  and  every  ton  which  shall  have  been  delivered,  in  full,  for 
the  transportation  from  the  place  of  receiving  aforesaid,  to  the  place  of  delivery  aforesaid. 

Provided,  Always,  that  in  case  the  state  of  the  weather  shall  render  it  impossible  on  any 
day,  or  days,  to  effect  a  delivery,  it  shall  be  a  sufficient  performance  of  the  contract  to  make 
the  delivery  as  soon  thereafter  as  can  be  done  ;  and  provided,  also,  that  the  said  company  may 
deliver  more  than  thirty  tons  in  a  day,  if  it  shall  suit 'the  convenience  of  the  said  company 
to  deliver  more  than  thirty  tons  in  any  one  day. 


PLATE  X/V  . 


[   29  ] 


In  witness  whereof,  the  said  Thomas  H.  Perkins,  President,  as  aforesaid,  and  the  said  John 
C  Warren,  Chairman,  as  aforesaid,  have  interchangeably  signed  this  instrument,  on  the  day  first 
aforesaid.  T.   H.   PERKINS,  (seal.) 

President. 

JOHN   C.  WARREN,  (seal.) 

Chairman. 


CONTRACT    FOR   HAULING    UP    THE  STONE. 

This  agreement  made  by  and  between  Thomas  O.  Nichols  and  John  Pierce  of  Charlestown, 
in  the  County  of  Middlesex  on  the  one  part,  and  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association  on 
the  other  part ;  said  Association  herein  acting  by  John  C.  Warren,  chairman  of  the  building 
committee,  witnesseth,  that  the  said  Thomas  O.  Nichols  and  John  Pierce  do  hereby  agree  and 
take  upon  themselves  to  do  and  perform,  for  the  said  Association,  the  following  work  and 
service. 

1st.  Said  Nichols  and  Pierce  will  take  at  Devens's  wharf  in  Charlestown,  and  carry  thence 
to  the  site  of  the  Monument,  three  thousand  tons  of  stone,  at  forty-three  cents  per  ton,  and 
will  carry  all  the  sand  that  may  be  wanted,  from  said  wharf  in  Charlestown,  to  said  site  of 
the  Monument,  at  the  same  rate  per  ton. 

2d.  That  said  Nichols  and  Pierce  will  find  all  the  necessary  means  of  transportation,  at 
their  own  cost  and  charge. 

3d.  That  the  said  corporation  will  make  the  passage-way,  on  to  the  hill  from  the  common 
highway,  in  Charlestown,  convenient  for  said  carrying,  and  will  permit  the  said  Nichols  and 
Pierce  to  use  gratis  the  machinery  for  moving  stone,  belonging  to  the  corporation,  at  the  said 
wharf 

4th.  The  said  corporation  agree  and  hereby  engage  to  pay  the  said  Nichols  and  Pierce 
three  quarter  parts  of  the  money  which  may  be  due  to  them  for  performing  tins  contract,  at 
the  end  of  each  successive  month,  and  the  balance  which  may  be  due  when  the  contract  is 
performed,  or  within  one  month  thereafter. 

In  witness  whereof,  the  parties  have  hereunto  set  their  hands  and  seals,  the  twenty-fifth 
day  of  April,  1827.  JOHN   C.  WARREN, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee. 
THOMAS   O.  NICHOLS, 
JOHN  PIERCE. 


[   30  j 


An  account  of  the  expenses  attending  the  mason's  work,  including  the  working  of  the 
quoin  heads  and  headers  —  jointing  and  fitting  the  stone  —  lewising,  cutting  in  cramps,  &c.  &c, 
with  the  hoisting  and  mason's  work,  mortar,  and  iron  cramps,  and  every  other  expense  incurred 
on  Bunker's  Hill,  except  the  first  cost  of  the  hoisting  and  other  apparatus.  The  amount  laid  up, 
at  the  suspension  of  the  work  in  1828,  was  found  to  be  thirty-six  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
seventy-six  cubic  feet,  and  the  bills  paid  on  account  of  this  work  were  as  follows,  namely, 


T                          CI         CI                      1         1*11       C                                   1  1 

James  S.  Savages  bill  tor  masons  work,  .... 

$649 

34 

63 

25 

»T                                             ,                        1*11            /"*                     C*  A  A  "  J 

JN.  Jewetts  bill  lor  fitting  stone,  ...... 

.  40 

00 

liichardss  bill  tor  sharpening  tools,  ..... 

43 

77 

-w-»        |            s\     TVT*     11                     1       T\*                1          1    "11       i"*            a  * 

Part  of  Nichols  and  Tierce  s  bill  lor  teammg, 

116 

21 

ci             i     i*ii        c*    t                 ct      d                   r*  ii 

Second  bill  of  James  S.  Savage  for  masons  work, 

1,120 

83 

Part  of  Devens's  bill  for  sand  and  lime,  ..... 

44 

18 

Part  of  Holmes's  bill  for  hoisting,  

.  1,109 

28 

Thompson's  bill  for  iron  for  cramps,  ..... 

213 

95 

Holmes's  for  hoisting,  second  bill,        .              .       .       .  . 

755 

23 

Whipple  and  Adams's  bill  for  rope,  ..... 

84 

65 

Johnson's  bill  for  hauling  water,  ...... 

20 

44 

Part  of  Holmes's  for  hoisting,  third  bill,  .... 

381 

40 

Part  of  Nichols  and  Pierce's  bill  for  teaming,  . 

27 

95 

Thompson's  for  iron  for  cramps,  second  bill, 

.  230 

91 

Third  bill  of  J.  S.  Savage  for  mason's  work, 

921 

27 

Part  of  Devens's  bill  for  lime  and  sand,  .... 

51 

27 

Total  cost  of  laying  up  36,876  cubic  feet, 

.  $5,873 

93 

And  five  thousand  eight  hundred  seventy-three  dollars  and  ninety-three  cents,  the  whole 
cost,  divided  by  thirty-six  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-six,  the  whole  number  of  cubic 
feet  laid  up,  gives  16  1-2  cents  as  the  cost  per  foot  cubic,  for  this  part  of  the  work.  - 


[   31  ] 


SECOND  EXPERIMENT. 

When  the  work  was  recommenced  in  1834,  an  experiment  was  made  in  fitting,  hoisting, 
and  setting  one  thousand  six  hundred  feet  of  stone,  and  the  bills  paid  on  that  account  are  as 
follow,  namely, 


Paid 

William  Frederic  for  nine  days'  work,  at  $2  00, 

$18 

00 

a 

Warden  for  nine  days'  work,  at  10s.,  ..... 

15 

00 

u 

S.  Frederic  for  nine  days'  work,  at  10s.,  .... 

15 

00 

u 

Carkin  for  three  and  three-quarters  days'  work,  at  10s., 

6 

25 

(t 

Irvine  for  nine  days'  work,  at  10s.,  ...... 

15 

00 

It 

Murphy  for  nine  days'  work,  at  $1  50, 

13 

50 

U 

Butterfield  for  nine  days'  work,  at  10s.,  ..... 

15 

00 

it 

16 

00 

tt 

12 

64 

K 

Cairnes  for  eight  days'  work,  ........ 

12 

64 

(( 

Johnson  for  four  days'  work,  

6 

32 

(( 

Peterson  for  eight  days'  work, 

12 

64 

it 

McDougall  for  five  days'  work,  

7 

90 

It 

Pratt  for  nine  days'  work,  at  $3  00, 

.  27 

00 

U 

Priest  for  eight  days'  work,  at  $2  17,  

17 

36 

il 

Stodder  for  seven  and  three-quarters  days'  work,  at  $2  25  . 

17 

43 

(1 

Brack  for  eight  days'  work,  at  $1  25,  

10 

00 

237 

68 

One  hundred  and  eighty-eight  pounds  of  iron  cramps,  at  five  cents, 

9 

40 

Mortar,  Coal,  

17 

00 

Total  cost  of  setting  sixteen  hundred  cubic  feet,  .... 

$264 

08 

And  two  hundred  sixty-four  dollars  and  eight  cents,  divided  by  one  thousand  six  hundred, 
gives  16  1-2  cents  as  the  cost  per  foot. 


GETTY  RESEARCH  INSTITUTE 


3  3125  01360  9512 


